Sokoto state government is to collaborate with the Peoples Republic of China to boost commerce and establish mining and agro-allied industries in the state.
In that regard, Sokoto government will provide land for the establishment of ‘China Town’ in the border-town of Illela to boost trade and investment in the West African region.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this Friday when the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Sokoto.
He said already, some Chinese companies have carried out feasibility studies on the projects, adding that the state government is awaiting their reports to determine the next line of action.
Tambuwal said apart from mining and agriculture, the two governments will explore other areas of cooperation that will be beneficial to their citizens. Such areas include education, agriculture, health and youth and women empowerment.
The Governor appealed to the Chinese government to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption and help the present administration with its security and job-creation efforts.
Earlier in his remarks, the Ambassador said he was in the state to straighten the cordial working relationship between his government and the Sokoto government.
He commended Tambuwal for the achievements so far recorded and assured that China will continue to work closely with the state government in order to achieve the desired objectives.
So also, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Friday signed the Primary Healthcare Development Agency (amendment) bill 2015, with a vow to reposition the agency for better service delivery.
A statement by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said the new bill incooperates all dispensaries and health clinics hitherto under the local government councils but will now be under the state primary healthcare development agency.
The amended bill, according to the statement, also promotes the participation of women in the planning, management and implementation of the provisions of the bill especially at the grassroots level.
“With the signing of the bill, Sokoto State will now fully benefit from various interventions from various development agencies who made recommendations to the government on the need for such amendments.
“We look forward to fully implementing all the provisions of the bill in order to revolutionise health care delivery at the grassroots level in all parts of the state,” the statement added.
